China scraps tariffs for 53 African partners, excluding Eswatini

China announced it will eliminate import tariffs on goods from 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic relations, effective May 1, 2026. The move extends earlier zero-tariff measures and is presented by Beijing as a major boost to China-Africa trade ties and market access.

The expansion builds on prior commitments: in 2024 China extended broad zero-tariff treatment to least developed countries, covering many African nations. Under the latest plan the policy covers 53 diplomatic partners, while Eswatini remains excluded because of its diplomatic ties with Taiwan. Chinese authorities say the measure will run under the announced timetable and will involve technical customs and regulatory steps for implementation.

Market implications are concentrated in commodity and agricultural channels where African exporters have scale advantages. Chinese customs and trade analyses indicate energy and minerals remain central to bilateral flows, but agricultural and consumer goods exports are rising. Observers also note Africa’s trade deficit with China widened significantly in 2025, a factor that could amplify short-term adjustments in trade balances and terms of trade for some economies.

Beyond economics, the policy carries a geopolitical message: Beijing seeks to strengthen its soft power and deepen strategic ties across the continent ahead of the 70th anniversary of China-Africa relations. The unilateral market opening raises questions about DTÖ rules, reciprocity and the need for complementary measures such as sanitary standards, logistics upgrades and institutional frameworks to convert access into sustainable gains.

Analysts caution that benefits are likely to be uneven. Short-term gains may accrue to exporters of commodities and perishables that meet Chinese standards, while middle-income and manufacturing sectors in some countries may face competitive pressures. Policy watchers will monitor whether Beijing follows the tariff move with capacity-building, phytosanitary support and investment facilitation; without those, the zero-tariff step could widen disparities among African economies.